Agree. It looks like each bike is set up slightly differently - saddle angle, handlebar orientation and type, etc.
I'd recommend setting each one up so it fits you correctly, then assess.
The lotus appears to have a flat bar, which will feel very different than it will with drops. Perhaps not your speed, though, and it would pull you into a slightly farther forward position (to get to the hoods) vs. the flat bar.

The Lotus is definitely the clear choice in terms of quality/equipment level, but I like the Peugeot as well. Lose the turkey levers and foam bar wrap, give it a nice tune up (if it needs it), and off you go!

Edit:
Looking more closely at the lotus, I notice that it has a long cage rear derailleur, somewhat large rear cluster, and what appears to be a more relaxed geometry than a full-on racing bike. I would bet that it would ride like a different bike for you with a shorter stem (raised to saddle height) and a drop bar. The only thing I see is that it looks like a smaller frame than the Peugeot.

The pictured Lotus is not the actual bike in question.

Sorry for the confusion. I just took a couple of quick pics of the Lotus as it sits on a trainer. The quality is poor, but you can see what I have.

IMG00346..jpgIMG00348..jpgIMG00350..jpg

Fit and ride comfort should be your #1 priority. Why ride something that just isnt right?

Okay after my big speech - FWIW you are running super narrow tires on the Lotus. What a nice-looking frame. Try some larger tires - it will transform the ride. Or you can sell it\trade it with me. I like it!